CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the
following report of the part taken by this brigade in the action at Gettysburg, Pa., from
July 1 to 4:
Being in camp at Uniontown, Md., on the morning
of July 1, I received an order to march at 6.30 a.m.; marched to Taneytown, and halted
until 12 m., when the command resumed the march toward Gettysburg, and encamped about 3
miles from the town.
At 4 a.m. on the 2d, the brigade was placed in
position on the hills overlooking the town, my command being placed on the left of the
First Brigade. This position we occupied until the termination of the action on the night
of the 3d.
Skirmishing commenced briskly along our front.
At 8 a.m. the First Delaware Volunteers were sent out as skirmishers, and the One hundred
and eighth New York Volunteers were assigned to the support of Woodruff's battery.
At 2 p.m. the enemy opened upon us with a severe
fire of artillery, accompanied by an advance of infantry, which drove in our skirmishers.
They were, however, immediately replaced, and the enemy's skirmishers retired to their
original position, excepting that a force of them retained possession of a large barn
about 400 yards in front of our line.
Four companies of the Twelfth New Jersey
Volunteers were sent to retake the barn and to dislodge the enemy's sharpshooters, which
they succeeded in doing, capturing 92 prisoners, including 7 commissioned officers. The
enemy advanced in turn, and recaptured the barn.
The First Delaware Volunteers and four more
companies of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, under the command of Captain Thompson,
Twelfth New Jersey, were subsequently sent to again take possession of the barn, which
they did, having taken 10 prisonors, one of whom was a major. Observing that the enemy was
moving in force along a ravine toward the barn, Captain Thompson thought proper to retire.
Firing ceased about 9 p.m., the remainder of the
night being quiet.
Artillery firing from both sides began at 4 a.m.
on the morning of the 3d, the heaviest firing being on our right. Skirmishing with
artillery and infantry continued all along the line until 10.30 a.m., when a lull ensued,
which lasted up to 2 p.m. The barn and house near it being reoccupied by the enemy's
sharpshooters, an order was received from General Hays, commanding the division, to take
the house and barn at all hazards and hold it. The Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers was
detailed on this service, which it gallantly performed. Soon after, an order came from
General Hays to burn the house and barn, and they were accordingly fired.
At 2 p.m. a most terrific cannonading was opened
upon our front by the simultaneous discharge of a whole battery. This fire, from an
extended line of the enemy's batteries, concentrated on the small space occupied by our
troops, and continued without intermission until 5 p.m.
The officers and men behaved with the greatest
coolness, and endured this terrible fire with much fortitude. As the fire of the enemy's
batteries slackened, their infantry moved upon our position in three lines, preceded by
skirmishers.
My men were directed to reserve their fire until
the foe was within 50 yards, when so effective and incessant was the fire from my line
that the advancing enemy was staggered, thrown into confusion, and finally fled from the
field, throwing away their arms in their flight. Many threw themselves on the ground to
escape our destructive fire, and raised their hands in token of surrender.
The number of prisoners captured by this brigade
is estimated at from 1,200 to 1,500. The number of small-arms collected by them is
estimated at 2,000. This command captured 9 battle-flags, as follows: The Fourteenth
Connecticut Volunteers, 4; the First Delaware Volunteers, 3, and the Twelfth New Jersey,
2.
The One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers
rendered very efficient service while supporting Woodruff's battery, and lost heavily, the
casualties being about half of the regiment in action. The men assisted in maneuvering the
guns when so many of the horses were killed that the guns, limbers, and caissons could
with difficulty be moved.
During the cannonading, having received a wound,
I was obliged to quit the field, and surrendered the command to Lieut. Col. Francis E.
Pierce, One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers.
The casualties in my command were as follows:

Command

Officers Killed

Officers Wounded

Officers Missing

Enlisted Killed

Enlisted Wounded

Enlisted Missing

Total

Brigade Staff

---

2

---

---

---

---

2

1st Reg. Delaware Vol

2

2

1

7

41

10

63

108 New York Vol

3

10

---

13

76

---

102

14th Connecticut Vol

---

10

---

10

42

4

66

12th New Jersey Vol

2

4

---

21

75

11

113

1st Battalion 10th N.Y.

---

---

---

2

4

---

6

Total

7

28

1

53

238

25

352

I desire to call the attention
of the general commanding to the bravery, self-possession, and energy of Lieut. Col. F. E.
Pierce, commanding One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers, who, throughout the
heaviest of the fire, showed the greatest unconcern, passing along his line and
encouraging his men; Maj. John T. Hill, commanding Twelfth New Jersey volunteers, who
directed his men to retain their fire during the charge of the enemy until they were
within 20 yards, when, at his command, so tremendous a fire of buck and ball was poured
into their ranks as to render it impossible that one of them could reach the breastwork;
Maj. Theodore G. Ellis, commanding Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers, who led the last
attack on the house and barn occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters in a very spirited
manner, completely routing them, and Lieut. William Smith, who commanded the First
Delaware Volunteers during the attack upon our front. He was a brave and efficient
officer, and was instantly killed, with one of the enemy's captured flags in his hand.
I would also particularly mention the able and
efficient services of the gentlemen composing my staff: Lieut. William P. Seville, acting
assistant adjutant-general; Capt. James Parke Postles, acting assistant inspector-general,
and Lieut. Charles S. Schaeffer, aide-de-camp, who was wounded, and Lieut. Theron E.
Parsons, aide-de-camp. These officers are deserving of much credit for their conduct
during the whole action. Lieut. William P. Seville and Capt. J. P. Postles I wish
specially to recommend to your notice as really meritorious officers.